Richard Leonard Miller Jr, 44, of Traverse City passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital after a courageous battle against pneumonia.

Richard was born on January 28, 1972 to Richard and Linda (Draper) Miller in Northport, MI. He attended Leland High School and later Traverse City Central High School. He had aspirations of attending college for electronics and one day being an electrical engineer.

Tragically, on a beautiful sunny summer day, while spending time with his family at North Bar Lake in Empire, Richard's life was forever transformed when he dove into the water, misjudged the water depth, and hit his head on the bottom of the lake causing a cervical laceration that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Miraculously, he survived this devastating injury.

After a long and difficult recovery, Richard moved into a specially constructed room at the nursing facility that his mother owned. She became his full time care giver and she provided him the best care that only a mother's love could. It was his mother's hope that she would be able to provide care for his lifetime, but she preceded him in death.

In spite of his injury Richard was fiercely independent and enjoyed riding his wheelchair around Traverse City. Many will remember seeing him, with his bleach blond hair, making his way around town. Eventually, health concerns dictated that Richard be moved to long term care. He never lost his loving spirit and his compassion. He loved babies and had a very special relationship with his nieces and nephews.

A devout Catholic, Richard attended mass at Holy Rosary Church as he was able and held fast to the Sacraments. It was his wish to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at the time of his death and be laid to rest next to his mother and father. His family is honoring his wish.

Unable to work and receiving just a small social security stipend has created a hardship for his family in trying to honor his dying wish.

Richard is survived by his brothers David Miller of Boyne City, Douglas Miller of Interlochen; sisters Darla Miller of Traverse City, Debbie (Jose) Velasquez of Houston, TX and Dori Miller of Traverse City; nieces Brooke Miller, Rachel Sherwood, Alicia Miller; nephews Aaron Sherwood, Alex Velasquez, and Kyle Lantzer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Linda Miller.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a rosary being said at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Father Libby will officiate services.

Memorial donations in Richard's honor may be directed to the family via www.youcaring.com/helprichardmiller .